Talked with Jim Jennings after the game last night and he said they were looking at up to four teams coming in next year; Boston, Vancouver, St. Louis and Halifax. All cities have bids in and announcements are due in a couple of weeks.

In the article it mentions the 2010 Olympics. That might make it very hard for home arena games. I would imagine the arenas will be tied up before and during the games. Sounds to me like 2011 is more realistic. I wonder who the owners that applied this year are?

Yeah but the Olympics are what.. 2 weeks long?? If that?? So you're looking at having a 2 game road trip, not all that bad, I think they can do it with no problems.

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I wouldn't be so sure - I'd expect GM Place to be occupied for more like three or four weeks by the Olympics and related events. Besides the NHL schedule will need to be compressed to accomodate the Olympic break so the Canucks will be getting first dibs on dates when they become available.

It wouldn't be so much an issue if there was an existing established team, but having an expansion team start up in 2010 which plays like once and then goes on the road for a month or so may not be wise if they are trying to rebuild interest here in the NLL. Won't help matters that during the Winter of 2009-10 everyone will have the Olympics on their mind - and not lacrosse.

They might not even use GM Place... their first choice last time was the Pacific Coliseum, but they couldn't reach a deal in time so they switched to GM Place.

It's disappointing that they're saying not till 2010, but I have to wonder why they even bother mentioning the June 1st application deadline if they're not trying for next season. It looks like maybe the owners (whoever they are) are trying for 2009 but Jennings is saying that they're being selective and might not let them in that quickly.

Anybody heard anything about who these owners are? The article said neither Mayenecht or Whittset was involved, but didn't mention who was. Seems like they're keeping kind a of a low profile.

well i havent heard any names coming out as of yet. it is quite interesting to see that he says all things things to pump up the idea but wont lead into anything. typical NLL style.

but i do wonder if they will opt for Pac Coliseum this time around, that is if Mr. Toigo decides to let them in the doors this time.

also, doesnt the NHL take an Olympic Break? if so that would leave dates open for the arena. However, id think that the venues would be on tight lock down and they wouldnt want any other events going on with in the venues to protect players and doping scandals!

also, doesnt the NHL take an Olympic Break? if so that would leave dates open for the arena.

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Not really - because the during the NHL break Olympic hockey will be going on. Also GM Place is probably being used for figure skating and other related events. So I would assume GM Place won't be available for about three weeks at least and then the immediate weeks before and after that the NHL (re: Cancuks) will be trying to play as many games to make up for the break.